(Eagle News)–The Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are implementing online and cashless transactions as the country transitions to the “new normal” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation said starting June 16, the LTFRB will implement in the National Capital Region the Public Transport Online Processing System (PTOPS) that will allow for the online transactions.
The DOTr said the system is still on pilot testing and for consultation with stakeholders from June 1-15.
This, however, the DOTr said, excludes the publication and hearing of cases.
According to the DOTr, the program, which allows a user to easily create an account, select the type of transaction, and schedule an appointment online with the LTFRB, is in partnership with PISOPAY.COM, and aims not only aims to make transactions faster and more convenient, but also aims to ensure that physical distancing will be continuously observed in offices.
The new system also prevents opportunities for corrupt practices as there is now lessened human intervention, the DOTr said.
“Kailangan na po nating masanay na ito na ang magiging normal simula ngayon. We are making our services accessible at the comfort of your homes and we have to adapt to this new reality. In this way, we lower the risk of possible virus transmission,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said.
Cashless, online transactions at LTO
For its part, the DOTr said the LTO will start using the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) soon.
Through the system, anyone can process their transactions online with the agency.
Transactions include driver/conductor’s application for renewal of license, requests for revision of records, and requests for Certificate of No Apprehension.
“For settlement of traffic violations, motorists with admitted cases may settle their violations outright by paying fines at any LTO District Office Cashier or via electronic payment channels and online banking,” the DOTr said.
For contested cases, motorists can submit their position papers online through the LTMS.
They will be notified of the hearing schedule and settlement updates through electronic mail (e-mail) and through a portal dashboard.
According to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante, the LTMS is currently on pilot test at some LTO offices which are under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
“We are doing the pilot-test at 24 LTO Offices to iron-out the technical glitches, and thus ensure that everything will run smoothly. Once all are in place, the LTMS will be implemented in all LTO offices nationwide,” Galvante said.
“The LTMS will limit human intervention so as to comply with the safety protocol advised by health authorities. Aside from this, I encourage everyone to be a responsible motorist so that our roads will be safer and settlements will be less. In this way, we can contribute to the faster healing process of our country,” he added.
